Why do I get this error message when opening Outlook?

Question

Why do I get this error message when opening Outlook? "We're sorry, but Outlook has run into an error that is preventing if from working correctly. Outlook will need to be closed as a result. Would you like us to repair now?"

Answer 1

Hi,

To isolate the issue, please try using a different internet connection, then open an InPrivate window (Ctrl + Shift + N) in your browser and try logging in to your account using the link below:

https://account.microsoft.com/

Can you open Outlook there as usual?

If yes, the issue could be related to the classic Outlook app.

Please try repairing your Microsoft 365 apps/Outlook:

Press Windows key + R

Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter

Find and select Microsoft 365 or Office

Click Change

Select Quick Repair, then click Repair

Once completed, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

If the problem continues, repeat the same steps, but this time select Online Repair. This performs a more complete repair and may take a little longer to finish.

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I’ll be here for your update and ready to help until this is resolved. If you find the answer helpful, please feel free to rate the thread. Otherwise, leave a comment below if there's anything else I can help you with.

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Answer 2

The error message indicates that Outlook has encountered a problem that prevents it from starting or running correctly. Common causes include:

1. Corrupted Outlook data files (.pst or .ost).
2. Problematic or conflicting add-ins.
3. A corrupted Outlook profile.
4. Issues introduced by a recent Office/Outlook update or installation.

To diagnose and resolve the issue, follow these supported approaches:

1. Start Outlook in Safe Mode and check add-ins
   • Press Windows key + R.
   • Type Outlook /safe and select OK.
   • If Outlook starts in safe mode, an add-in is likely causing the problem.
   • In Outlook, go to File > Options > Add-ins.
   • At the bottom, ensure Manage: COM Add-ins is selected and choose Go.
   • Clear all check boxes to disable all add-ins, then choose OK and exit Outlook.
   • Restart Outlook normally. If it now works, re-enable add-ins one by one (restarting Outlook each time) to identify which add-in causes the error, then leave that add-in disabled.
2. Create a new Outlook profile
   • A corrupted profile can prevent Outlook from starting correctly.
   • Follow the steps in Create an Outlook profile to create a new profile, then configure Outlook to use that profile.
   • Restart Outlook and select the new profile in the Choose Profile dialog.
   • If Outlook starts normally with the new profile, the original profile is corrupted.
3. Repair Outlook data files
   • Corrupted data files can trigger startup errors.
   • Close Outlook.
   • Run the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) as described in Repair Outlook Data Files (.pst and .ost).
   • After the repair completes, restart Outlook.
4. Update Outlook/Office
   • Some builds have known issues that are fixed in later updates.
   • In Outlook (if it opens), go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now to install the latest updates.

If Outlook still cannot start after these steps, the issue may be related to a broader Office installation problem or a specific known bug in a recent update, in which case applying the latest Office updates or following any related Microsoft support incident guidance is recommended.

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References:

• I can’t start Microsoft Outlook or receive the error “Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook Window”
• Something is wrong with one of your data files and Outlook needs to close
• Outlook is unable to start in Windows 7 or 8
• Outlook Freezing and Not Responding and Not saving changes when ending the task - Microsoft Q&A
• Outlook won't open, says it coundn't open last time and asks if I want to open in Safemode - Microsoft Q&A